Shura Council Speaker Outlines Priorities After Amir’s Address and Honors Father Amir’s Legacy

Opening Address, National Priorities and Tribute to Father Amir

Qatar’s Shura Council Speaker Hassan bin Abdullah Al Ghanim said the opening address by His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani at the second ordinary session of the second legislative term gave a clear evaluation of the country’s situation and pointed out the priorities for the next stage, noting the exceptional regional circumstances and growing challenges.

He noted that the council had taken a clear stance during the sensitive and difficult period Qatar faced, especially as those conditions threatened regional security and stability.

Al Ghanim praised the government’s effective response under the Amir’s direction, pointing out that despite the hardships state institutions kept functioning, citizens’ and residents’ needs were met, security and stability were upheld, and daily life continued normally.

He also lauded the awareness, responsibility and solidarity shown by citizens and residents throughout the exceptional circumstances, saying their behaviour reflected the strength of Qatari society, its trust in state institutions and its ability to deal with challenges responsibly.

The speaker paid tribute to the late Father Amir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani as the architect of modern Qatar, who steered the nation through a critical historical juncture by championing a long‑term vision for developing the country’s resources, investing in its people and strengthening shura as a fundamental pillar of governance and state administration.

He added that the Father Amir’s tenure was marked by an independent and active foreign policy that raised Qatar’s regional and international standing, establishing Doha as a centre for mediation, dialogue and the peaceful settlement of disputes between states, together with steadfast support for Arab and Islamic causes, particularly the Palestinian cause.

Al Ghanim said the current Amir carries forward this brilliant legacy, building on its core values to guide Qatar toward new heights of growth and prosperity while strengthening its international standing and role.

Legislative Activity and Social Focus

Reviewing the previous session, Al Ghanim said the council held 37 regular meetings and completed examination of 23 draft laws. It also looked at four requests for general debate and submitted three proposals to the government on matters of public concern.

The council conducted six hearings with ministers and senior officials, while its standing committees convened 81 meetings to discuss legislation and other files referred to them, and hosted officials, experts and relevant stakeholders to clarify issues under consideration.

A notable achievement was the submission of a draft law on the digital protection of children. The council also devoted considerable attention to family affairs, social cohesion, youth, health and sports.

Constructive cooperation and coordination between the legislative and executive branches were highlighted as a defining feature of the previous session, showing how roles were integrated and efforts pooled to serve national interests and achieve shared goals.

Parliamentary Diplomacy and International Engagement

Al Ghanim said the council maintained an active presence in parliamentary diplomacy, reflecting Qatar’s support for peace and dialogue while strengthening the country’s role at regional and international parliamentary forums.

He cited the council’s success in securing support for an emergency item submitted by the Shura Council to the agenda of the Inter‑Parliamentary Union General Assembly as a practical demonstration of this approach. The item concerns preserving ceasefire agreements and backing efforts to reach peace, illustrating Qatar’s steadfast commitment to prioritising dialogue and diplomacy, rejecting war and conflict, and working to consolidate regional and international peace and security.

He stressed that the council will continue to champion this approach at parliamentary forums and work to advance its objectives.

Commitment to Future Work and Institutional Cooperation

Al Ghanim expressed appreciation for the Amir’s gracious patronage and the high confidence shown to the Shura Council by His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al‑Thani.

Addressing the Amir, he said the support and confidence had strengthened the council’s standing as a key constitutional institution in Qatar’s development path and as an active partner in advancing development and institutional governance.

He added that the council fulfils this role through its legislative and oversight duties and through constructive cooperation with the government in pursuit of the country’s supreme national interests.

The speaker reaffirmed the council’s commitment to further strengthening this cooperation in support of Qatar’s development and continued progress. He also emphasised the importance of deepening the council’s engagement with society, responding to citizens’ aspirations and concerns, and maintaining communication with the media to raise public awareness of the council’s role and responsibilities and to deepen its ties with the community.

Looking ahead to the new session, Al Ghanim reiterated the council’s determination to uphold its constitutional mandate and to carry out its legislative and oversight duties with integrity and responsibility.

Addressing the Amir, he said the council will continue to contribute actively to serving the nation and its citizens, supporting the country’s development, safeguarding its achievements, and maintaining its presence at regional and international parliamentary forums in support of Qatar’s positions, interests and causes. He noted that the council’s efforts are underpinned by the confidence it enjoys among international parliamentary institutions.

Al Ghanim pledged that the Shura Council will remain faithful to its mission and steadfast in carrying out its national responsibilities, placing the country’s supreme interests above all else. Working alongside other state institutions, the council will continue to advance Qatar’s development and fulfil the aspirations of its people, guided by the Amir’s wise vision and under his prudent leadership, for the continued progress, strength and prosperity of Qatar.

At the outset of his address, HE the Speaker welcomed the Amir on behalf of himself and his fellow council members, expressing his profound gratitude and appreciation for His Highness’s presence at the opening of the second ordinary session of the second legislative term, corresponding to the council’s 55th annual session.